GOP blocks bill in Senate targeting gender pay gap

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WASHINGTON — Republicans blocked a Senate bill Wednesday aimed at narrowing the pay gap between men and women, an election-year ritual that Democrats hope will help spur women to back them in this fall’s congressional elections.

GOP lawmakers said the measure could hinder employers from granting raises, or permitting flexible hours in exchange for lower pay, for fear of costly lawsuits. For Democrats, the bill was the latest stressing income-fairness they are pushing this campaign season, a procession that includes proposals to extend jobless benefits, boost the minimum wage, and help students and families afford college loans.

‘‘Republicans in Congress continue to oppose serious efforts to create jobs, grow the economy, and level the playing field for working families,’’ President Obama said in a written statement after the vote. ‘‘That’s wrong, and it’s harmful for our national efforts to rebuild an economy that gives every American who works hard a fair shot to get ahead.’’

Republicans, whose campaign focus has been on an economy that is still recovering from a severe recession, said it was the Democratic bill itself that would wreak damage. They were backed by the US Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.

‘‘At a time when the Obama economy is already hurting women so much, this legislation would double down on job loss — all while lining the pockets of trial lawyers,’’ said Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky. ‘‘In other words, it’s just another Democrat idea that threatens to hurt the very people it claims to help.’’

Democrats pushed the same legislation the last two election years, 2012 and 2010, only to see Senate Republicans scuttle the measures.